It took Jenn and the two investigators she brought along three hours to reach the ranch. They pulled up in front of a long, low ranch house and climbed out of the car as the rancher approached them.
“Agent Canaday?” The rancher held out his hand. “I’m Cal Howland.”
“Mr. Howland.” She shook his hand. “Thanks for taking the time to see us. This is Agent Descher and Agent Flores.”
The rancher gave them a brisk nod.
“Suppose we get right down to matters, sir. Do you usually fly to check on your herds?” Jenn asked as he walked them to where his Piper Cub was hangared.
“Yeah. This is a large property.”
“You’re sure they were rustled?” Jenn and her agents climbed into the plane and prepared for takeoff.
“What other explanation could there be? They were a dozen of my best beeves. The bull a
